Page 26 of Safeguarding the Witness

“I like your friend Jesse Jamison, but I haven’t had good experiences with the FBI. They keep everything secret, and this is my evidence, addressed to me.”

He returned the manila to the bedside table drawer. “I understand. The feds can be difficult to work with. That’s why I called on Jamison. I trust him.”

“I don’t know who I can believe.” She turned away from him but remained seated on the bed. “If that note came from my twin, if she signed that M, she’s been lying to me for five years, letting me and Dad think she died in that explosion.”

She felt him place the flat of his palm against her back. “Do you think it’s from her? What does your heart tell you?”

“I’ve always believed she’s alive. No matter what anybody else says. I feel her presence.”

He stroked the line of her spine, reached higher and massaged her shoulders. “Why would she ask you to come alone?”

“I don’t know.” His touch soothed and excited her at the same time. Her emotions were already in turmoil from returning home and receiving this note that enforced her belief that Madison was alive and trying to make contact. “I have to go. Have to find out.”

“I’ll be with you, Mollie.” His voice lowered to a whisper as he moved closer. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Without considering consequences, she twisted around on the bed until she was facing him. Eyes closed, she clasped his naked body in her embrace. Sensing him rather than seeing him, she came closer and closer. Her mouth joined with his. Their kiss flooded her with relief.

She hadn’t realized how much she needed this physical contact with him. She deepened the kiss. His tongue engaged with hers. She didn’t want to stop, not now, not ever.

If she didn’t end this kiss, she’d keep going until they’d made love. More than once. Maybe more than twice. I can’t do this. I’ve only just met him.

She dragged herself out of the bed, pivoted and stumbled toward the bathroom that bordered both their rooms. “G’night, Spence. See you tomorrow.”

In her blue bedroom, she closed the door and crumpled to the floor. That might have been a terrible mistake. But it felt so right.

Chapter Nine

The next morning, Spence arranged secure transportation and bodyguards for the three remaining Four-Leaf Clovers while they attended their ten-o’clock meeting at his grandpa Oliver’s house. Not an easy task. He needed to post two guards at the cabin while they were gone to make sure the property and surrounding grounds stayed safe. The driving to and fro required three separate vehicles.

Since Rossi had already met Erin and her daughter, his team was responsible for escorting them to their Cloverdell home from the safe house, waiting for them to get ready and driving them to the appointment at Grandpa’s.

Liz Quintana shed her camo and dressed appropriately for the afternoon memorial service in a gray linen suit with concealed gun holster, Taser and knife sheath. She’d deliver Bethany to the meeting at his grandfather’s house, then take her to the memorial service at the church and, finally, the reception afterward at Great-aunt Irma’s mansion, where Bethany lived.

Protecting Mollie was his project.

After last night’s semi-accidental intimacy, he expected their relationship to be different, maybe strained or clumsy. But she surprised him at breakfast with a jolt of cool sophistication. Nobody would guess that a few hours ago she’d marched into his bedroom where he was naked under the covers. She’d confided in him, admitted that she’d lied. He’d comforted her. They’d shared an embrace and a kiss. No big deal, right?

But somehow during that brief encounter, her body had imprinted on his. Her sweet, natural fragrance and satin-smooth skin wakened his senses. He’d never forget the taste of her lips or the little gasp she made. She was luscious, and he was hooked. He never wanted their contact to end.

“A cup of coffee?” he offered.

“You already brought me one.”

“Thought you might be extra thirsty after what happened…yesterday.”

Calmly, she avoided innuendo. “I’m fine.”

If anyone was being awkward this morning, it was him. He was as tongue-tied and klutzy as a teenager with his first crush.

After she finished her mushroom, ham and cheese frittata and both cups of coffee he prepared for her, she went back upstairs to change into the teal dress that Erin had brought for her. Spence was already dressed and ready to roll in a navy blue suit with a striped silk tie that Irma had given him when he graduated from law school. He made a point of dressing well in his lawyer uniform for public occasions since his security assignments seemed to have taken on more importance than courtroom appearances. At least he looked like he belonged at the Cameron family law firm.

When he saw Mollie standing at the top of the staircase, he was blown away. Sure, he knew she was attractive. He’d have to be blind not to notice. But he’d only seen her in baggy shorts and T-shirts with sneakers. She’d transformed. The teal dress complemented her blue eyes. The sleek fit of the garment emphasized her slim waist and long legs. The lace sleeves showed off her well-toned arms and disguised the farmer’s tan. She’d borrowed makeup from Erin to make her already lovely face even more perfect. Her streaked blond hair was neatly combed.

She descended the staircase and paused directly in front of him. He cleared his throat to keep from stammering. “You look great.”

“Really? The dress is too big and too long. Not that I’m complaining.” She pointed to her beige platform sandals. “Erin remembered to bring shoes. I haven’t worn anything this high in months. Hope I can manage without stumbling.”

“Not to worry,” he assured her. “I’ll catch you if you fall.”